What Should You Know about Renting an Apartment in Southampton

Finding accommodation is a crucial aspect that international students must consider when studying in Southampton. For many, this can be a challenging task. Students must decide between off-campus and on-campus housing, choose the room type, select the area, consider their budget, and evaluate safety factors. This post will explain how students can secure satisfactory student flats Southampton.

Which Southampton Accommodation Type to Choose?

There are two main options for student flats in Southampton: university halls and off-campus rentals and

University Halls

Advantages: The university centrally manages university dormitories and offers high security and facilities. Supporting facilities are often complete, and some are close to the campus, so students can avoid the trouble of looking for a room. Common areas are cleaned regularly, and some schools offer free gym cards.

Disadvantages: University halls are scarce, so students need to apply in advance. Some student flats are in remote locations, with random room allocation and housemates, so there is no guarantee that you will get a satisfactory choice.

Off-campus Rentals

Advantages: The apartment’s facilities are relatively new. All kinds of kitchen appliances are available, and the public activity area is also equipped with study rooms and screening rooms. Students can choose the room type, the roommate, and the exact location.

Disadvantages: Will miss out on some of the group activities in the school dorms. Some flats are far from the school, and popular flats are scarce. Leases are usually for one year with low flexibility.

Which room type to choose?

Some standard room types in Southampton are Standard room, Studio and en-suite, whether you are looking for university halls or off-campus accommodation.

Standard / Single Room

A standard room has its own bedroom but must share a toilet, bathroom, and kitchen with others.

Advantages: Good facilities, relatively inexpensive to rent, lively with many people.

Disadvantages: Students need to share the bathroom and kitchen with friends. Co-residents do not have complete autonomy in choosing their roommates, so it’s basically the luck of the draw as to what roommate you get assigned.

Studio

A Studio is simply a studio flat with its kitchen. The difference from a regular one-bedroom apartment is that the kitchen and bathroom in a Studio are in an open-plan space.

Advantages: This is for those who like to be alone for the second time, with a separate bed, desk, kitchen, toilet, and bathroom.

Disadvantages: The price is more expensive. The UK smoke alarm is super sensitive and easily triggered when cooking some smoky dishes. In addition, because of the space problem, the smell of food may not dissipate for a while, affecting the living experience.

En-suite

En-suite rooms are the most common type of room in UK residence halls. The bedroom is similar to a Shared but has its en-suite bathroom, which can be interpreted as a single en-suite standard room. En-suite rooms usually have the toilet, sink and shower in one space.

Advantages: The kitchen is relatively large, and if you fry, the kitchen hood can meet the function of sucking oil, and the oil smoke basically won’t enter the bedroom. Everyone living together will feel more secure, and can help each other in case of difficulties so that you can make friends faster!

Disadvantages: The soundproofing is average, and when it’s quieter at night, you can hear your next-door roommate talking on the phone. Roommates are significant. Meeting a roommate with bad habits or who is not hygienic will affect your experience.

Which area of Southampton to live in?

City Centre

Advantages: The University of Southampton and Southampton Solent Daisy School are within walking distance. Students have easy access to all local amenities, such as shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues, making everyday life very convenient.

Disadvantages: City centre student flats, restaurants and entertainment are more expensive than elsewhere in Southampton. In addition, the hustle and bustle of life attracts students and is unsuitable for students with poor self-control.

Highfield

Advantages: It is close to the main University of Southampton campus, making it easy for students to commute on a daily basis. It is also close to libraries, cafes, parks, and shops, making it central to student life.

Disadvantages: Rent is higher than other areas due to its location and demand. It can be hectic, especially during term time, which may not suit those seeking peace.

Portswood

Advantages: Rent is cheap, and amenities are good. The main road, Portswood Road, is lined with various shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.

Disadvantages: The vibrant nightlife leads to noisier nights, disturbing students’ rest. Leads to crowded streets and grounds during peak hours.

Conclusion

Living in university halls of residence is recommended for students travelling to Southampton for their first year of study. This provides a supportive environment and helps ease the transition to university life. From the second year onwards, students can explore off-campus accommodation options.

For those on a budget, living in a studio room near the University of Southampton or the city centre is a viable option. Alternatively, students can consider living in the suburbs of Southampton and opting for an en-suite room, ensuring they choose a location that minimizes commuting hassles.